Aubergine: season and benefits
Seasonal calendar - Aubergine
Nutritional values
Low in calories and rich in fibre, aubergine contains anthocyanins (in its purple skin) with antioxidant properties.
Storage
Aubergine keeps 4 to 5 days in the fridge vegetable drawer, but dislikes intense cold. Avoid storing below 8°C. It does not freeze raw but freezes well once cooked (as caviar, ratatouille). Choose firm, glossy ones with a bright green calyx.
Origin
The aubergine originates from India, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. It travelled west via the Silk Road, through Persia and the Arab world. Arabs introduced it to Spain in the 8th century. Long called "mad apple" in Europe as it was believed to be toxic, it was not accepted in France until the 17th century in the south.
Cooking Aubergine
Goes well with
Recipe ideas
- Ratatouille
- Baba ganoush
- Moussaka
- Aubergine parmigiana
- Grilled aubergine with sesame
Did you know?
The word "aubergine" comes from the Arabic "al-bâdinjân", itself from the Sanskrit "vātiga-gama". It is one of the rare French words of Sanskrit origin.